WasWatching.com

Laconic commentary from a Yankeeland zealot.

March 09, 2007

Matt DeSalvo Fires Back?

Via Baseball America -

The Yankees were so down on [Matt] DeSalvo that they removed him from the 40-man roster to make room for utilityman Miguel Cairo.

"It was an insult to me," DeSalvo said. "But it's one of those things I understand. I have to prove something and something to myself. When it happens you question your self-worth. You can take one path toward self destruction or take the attitude that I will show them."

In the early part of camp DeSalvo, 26, opened eyes in the bullpen and in batting practice. "I was shocked, that's how filthy he was," Jason Giambi said.

According to minor league pitching coordinator Nardi Contreras, DeSalvo's strong camp start was the result of a clear mind.

"He had some off-the-field issues that wouldn't be right for me to go into, but it's all clear and he is back to the DeSalvo again," Contreras said. "He has a great fastball, a quick arm and major league-quality offspeed pitches."

Mechanically, it took DeSalvo a while to grasp what pitching coaches Neil Allen and Dave Eiland were preaching.

"They were both working with me and I don't know what it was, I was confused with my own thoughts," DeSalvo said. "When I went home in the offseason and tried to figure out what happened, I understood what they were saying. Now I feel like a different person."

This time last year, I was high on DeSalvo. Maybe he can be a sleeper for the Yankees this year, if they need to dip into the minors for some help during the season?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2007 02:30 PM

Comments

Good that he has his mind right. That he may become a player from an organizational standpoint is a bonus.

Posted by: Raf at March 10, 2007 09:59 AM

His brains and brawn are in the right place. He is focused and ready to play. And Win. He just needs to stop biting his nails.